Education Rights

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If you and your family are experiencing hard times and you do not have stable housing then you are still entitled to a full and free education. There are resources available to support you and your family and it is important to take full advantage. Despite the hard times that you are facing the best thing that you can do is to work hard to succeed and excel at school.  In a country where post-secondary education and training are essential to making more than minimum wage, making good grades and succeeding in school is extremely important. How well you do in school is directly related to entering college and obtaining scholarships. You might not have any control of your current living situation but you have some control over how you will let your living situation affect your education.
 
The McKinney-Vento (MKV) law requires that schools (public and charter schools) remove any barriers to education for homeless children and youth. MKV covers youth and children 21 years old and younger who do not have a stable, fixed, regular, safe and secure night time residence.  This means if you are sleeping on a friend’s or family members’ couch, in a shelter (alone or with your family), in a car or on the street then you are protected by this law (see more about who qualifies below).
YOUR RIGHTS

  1. You have the right to remain in the school (“school of origin”) that you attended when your living situation changed.
  2. You have the right to enroll in school without barriers such as being required to produce multiple documents that will prevent or delay enrollment.
  3. You have the right to transportation to and from school.
  4. You have the right to fully participate in school. This means full participation in enrichment programs, extended day programs, sports, and extra-curricular activities.
  5. You have the right to receive school services such as free breakfast and lunch.
  6. You have the right to receive special education services.

 
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Who is protected by MKV? MKV protects a range of children and youth. In addition to being covered if you and your family are homeless and living in a shelter or on the streets, MKV also will provide protection if you fall into one of the following categories:

  1. If you are on your own and do not have any support from your parents or other family members (unaccompanied youth).
  2. If you are living in a transitional housing or shelter program
  3. If you and your family are “doubled up”-this means that you and your family are living in the house or apartment of others because of financial issues or a disaster (such as losing home to fire or flood or natural disaster).
  4. If you are a child of refugee, migrant or immigrant parents.  
  5. If you have been removed from your home and you are waiting to be placed in a foster home or group home. Also, if you are already in foster care but you are in an emergency or temporary placement. 

 
Homeless Liaisons:  Every public school has a Homeless Liaison in the building. Charter schools might share Homeless Liaison within a certain neighborhood or ward. It is this staff member’s responsibility to help you find and access the services and resources while you and your family is homeless. They will help arrange transportation, assist with paying school expenses (such as testing or graduation fees), they will also help you to purchase uniforms and make sure that you have access to free breakfast and lunch. If you do not know who you Homeless Liaisons are then you should talk to staff in the main office in your school (principals, counselors, deans, office secretary, registrar, etc.).  Often schools have posters on the walls of the main office with information on Homeless Liaisons.    
Food & School Lunch:  You cannot learn and focus if you are hungry. Under MKV you have a right to a free breakfast and lunch at school. It is important that you talk with your Homeless Liaison so that they can arrange for you to have breakfast and lunch without paying.  
School Uniforms: If your school requires that you wear uniforms or certain clothing then the school will work with you to make sure that you have the appropriate clothing. Many schools will also assist you with washing and drying your clothes.
Transportation to School:  Unstable housing often means that you stay at a location that is not convenient to your school.  You have a right to have free transportation to and from school while your family is facing housing issues. The school might provide a special metro card or arrange private transportation depending on where you are staying.
Summer School & Other School Services: The same rights that you have under MKV for the normal school year apply during the summer term (food, uniforms, transportation, etc.). You also have the right to participate in all school activities such as sports, extracurricular clubs or special school programs. If uniforms or equipment are required then the school will assist you with obtaining the items.  
College Preparation: Homelessness can make the process of applying to and enrolling in college difficult. Fees for the ACT and the SAT are expensive and college and financial aid applications require parental signature and documentation (a major barrier if you are an unaccompanied minor and you are not in contact with your parents).  
 
The following resources are available:

  • Applying for Financial Aid: You can apply for financial aid without parental information or signature if your status as a “homeless youth” is verified by one of the following individuals:
    • Your school Homeless Liaison (best person to work with for verification)
    • US HUD assistant program director of their designees
    • A runaway or homeless youth program director (such as Sasha Bruce)
    • College financial aid administrator

GED Testing Fees: If you are under 21 and you are pursuing your GED through an OSSE approved program then your  GED testing fees might be covered by MKV funds. Please contact the OSSE-DC State Coordinator for assistance (see information below).
 
IF YOU ARE HAVING ISSUES
If you and/or your family are dealing with unstable housing and you need support at school then you should immediately talk with your school counselor and Homeless Liaison. Do not wait until you have missed multiple days of school to talk with your Homeless Liaison. At most schools the Homeless Liaison serves in two roles—they might also work as the school counselor, social worker, psychologist, nurse or they might also be a teacher.  You can also seek help from:

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